Quick answer: Choose a touring caravan park in Devon by checking the approach route, maximum outfit size, pitch surface and dimensions, electrical capacity, water and waste facilities, washrooms, family and dog requirements, location, atmosphere and full booking terms. The correct park should suit your caravan, tow vehicle and itinerary—not merely provide an available space.
A touring caravan park in Devon becomes the operational base for the whole holiday. If access is awkward, the pitch is unsuitable or essential services are inconvenient, small problems repeat every day. A well-matched park makes arrival, setup and exploring much easier.
This detailed checklist helps touring-caravan owners compare parks and ask better questions before booking. It also explains how a base near Ashburton can support trips to Dartmoor and South Devon.
Contents
- Define the holiday before choosing the park
- Check routes and access
- Confirm outfit and pitch dimensions
- Compare pitch surfaces
- Review electricity, water and waste
- Assess washrooms and park facilities
- Consider children and dogs
- Match the location to day trips
- Understand atmosphere and rules
- Compare complete prices and terms
- Frequently asked questions
Start with the holiday you want
Some touring guests prioritise Dartmoor walking, others want family attractions, food, towns or access to South Devon. Write down the three experiences that matter most and choose a park that reduces unnecessary driving.
Parkers Farm Holiday Park is near Ashburton on the edge of Dartmoor, providing a countryside base for moorland outings and wider Devon days. Review the current touring caravans and motorhomes in Devon information before comparing individual requirements.
1. Check the final approach and access route
A route suitable for a car may be unsuitable for a caravan. General navigation can favour a shorter lane without understanding outfit width, height or turning needs. Use the park’s recommended directions and navigation appropriate for your dimensions.
Ask the park about:
- The recommended route for touring caravans
- Narrow lanes, low structures or restricted turns
- The position of reception or the arrival point
- Whether arrivals must avoid particular routes
- Any maximum outfit dimensions
- Latest check-in time
- Procedures if traffic delays your arrival
Plan fuel and rest stops before departure. Allow additional journey time and aim to arrive in daylight.
2. Provide accurate outfit dimensions
The park needs the overall size of the caravan, not just the internal body length. Include relevant towing and setup information requested by the operator. If using an awning, provide its dimensions and confirm whether it is allowed on the chosen pitch.
Measure and confirm:
- Overall caravan length and width
- Awning depth and width
- Tow-vehicle size
- Additional vehicle or trailer requirements
- Equipment stored outside
- Accessibility space needed around the caravan
Never assume that a pitch described as generous will accommodate every combination. Safety spacing and pitch boundaries still apply.
3. Compare grass and other pitch surfaces
Pitch surface influences setup and performance in different weather. Grass provides a traditional touring environment, while firmer options may be preferred by some outfits and seasons. Availability varies, so check the description rather than expecting every surface at every park.
Ask what equipment is appropriate for the chosen pitch and whether any restrictions apply to groundsheets, awnings or pegs. Do not improvise with equipment that could damage the pitch or create an unsafe setup.
4. Understand the electrical connection
Electrical hook-up descriptions should include more than the fact that a socket exists. Confirm the available capacity and ensure your lead and caravan systems are compatible. Use purpose-designed equipment, uncoil cables fully and route them to reduce trip risks.
Calculate likely demand from:
- Heating and hot-water systems
- Kettle, toaster or microwave
- Refrigeration
- Battery charging
- Medical or accessibility equipment
- Personal-device chargers
High-demand appliances cannot always be used together. Understand the caravan’s system and the park supply before switching on equipment.
5. Locate water, drainage and waste points
Service points affect daily convenience. A pitch far from water may be perfectly suitable for a short stay but less convenient for a family remaining for two weeks. Ask about drinking water, grey-water disposal and chemical-toilet facilities.
Use designated disposal points only. Store drinking-water equipment separately from waste hoses, containers and gloves. A simple routine—checking water and waste at the same time each day—prevents late-night problems.
6. Review toilets, showers and washing facilities
Even self-contained caravans often rely on site washrooms. Check the distance from likely pitches, accessibility and whether facilities are included. Families may also value washing-up and laundry arrangements.
Useful questions include:
- Are showers included?
- Are accessible facilities available?
- What provision exists for families with young children?
- Where are washing-up points?
- Is laundry provision available?
- How are refuse and recycling organised?
Parkers Farm guests can review current holiday park facilities and contact the team when a feature is essential.
7. Consider arrival and manoeuvring
Ask whether guests position their own caravans and whether assistance may be available. Drivers should still have suitable towing and manoeuvring skills. Practise reversing before the holiday and agree clear hand signals with anyone guiding.
Keep arrival equipment accessible:
- Levelling aids
- Wheel chocks
- Corner-steady tool
- Electrical lead
- Water and waste equipment
- Gloves and torch
- Booking information
Burying these items beneath bedding and furniture makes the first hour unnecessarily difficult.
8. Check family facilities and pace
Children benefit from having something to do at the park between day trips. Play areas and simple on-site experiences reduce pressure to drive out constantly. Parkers Farm has indoor and outdoor play options and countryside activities, with availability subject to current arrangements.
Supervision remains the responsibility of accompanying adults. Establish boundaries around roads, moving vehicles, service points and neighbouring pitches immediately after arrival.
9. Understand dog policies
Confirm the permitted number of dogs, charges, lead rules, exercise areas and restrictions. A park can welcome dogs while still requiring responsible control to protect other guests, livestock and wildlife.
Plan dog-friendly day trips before travelling. Heat, long walks and attractions that do not admit dogs can make an otherwise good itinerary unsuitable.
10. Look beyond the pitch to food and supplies
A shop, takeaway or restaurant can be valuable after a long towing journey. Check current operating periods and hours. Parkers Farm has a shop and food options, but guests should verify arrangements for their dates rather than assuming every service runs continuously.
Ashburton also gives visitors access to shops and local food. Keeping the first evening simple helps everyone settle before a full day out.
11. Match the location to realistic day trips
Once pitched, most touring guests explore using the tow vehicle. Group outings geographically and avoid long cross-county drives on consecutive days. A base near Ashburton supports Dartmoor visits, town days and selected South Devon trips.
Use the park’s local attractions guide to create dry-weather, mixed-weather and wet-weather plans. Always verify live opening information with the attraction.
12. Decide what atmosphere suits you
Holiday parks vary from quiet rural bases to entertainment-led resorts. Read the park’s description and rules. Check quiet times, group-booking arrangements and any restrictions on music, visitors, barbecues or additional shelters.
Choose the atmosphere that matches your group. A countryside family park may suit guests who want on-site facilities without the scale and intensity of a large resort.
13. Compare the complete cost
Compare prices using the same party, outfit, dates and extras. Electricity, dogs, additional adults, awnings or vehicles may be included or charged separately. Read the deposit, balance, amendment and cancellation terms before paying.
Record for each shortlisted park:
- Total holiday price
- What the price includes
- Optional extras
- Deposit and payment dates
- Cancellation and amendment rules
- Minimum-stay requirements
- Arrival and departure times
14. Use reviews carefully
Reviews can reveal recurring themes, but one opinion should not decide the booking. Look for recent patterns concerning cleanliness, communication, noise and accuracy of descriptions. Consider whether the reviewer’s priorities match yours.
When a factual detail matters, ask the park directly. Reviews become outdated as facilities, staffing and policies change.
A touring-park comparison checklist
Score each park from one to five for access, pitch suitability, services, washrooms, family needs, dog suitability, location, atmosphere and value. Weight the most important categories. A park with a slightly higher price may offer better value if it reduces travel, provides useful facilities and fits the outfit correctly.
Frequently asked questions
What information should I give when booking a touring pitch?
Provide accurate caravan, awning and vehicle dimensions, party details, dates, dogs and any accessibility or service requirements. Mention anything unusual before paying.
Is an electric hook-up essential?
No, but many touring caravans use one for convenience. Confirm the available supply and ensure your connection equipment is suitable and safely maintained.
Should beginners choose a park near major routes?
A straightforward recommended approach can reduce stress, but the final choice should also suit the itinerary. Always review the complete towing route and the park’s own directions.
How early should I arrive?
Arrive within the stated check-in period and preferably with daylight remaining. Early arrival without permission can disrupt pitch preparation, so follow the park’s instructions.
Why tour near Ashburton?
Ashburton provides practical access to Dartmoor and wider South Devon, allowing guests to establish the caravan once and use the tow vehicle for varied day trips.
Choose your touring base near Dartmoor
The right touring park fits the outfit, supports safe arrival and places your group near the experiences it values. Measure accurately, ask direct questions and compare the full cost rather than choosing from photographs alone.
Review touring caravan stays at Parkers Farm and contact the team with your outfit details and preferred dates to confirm suitability and availability.
